February 11, 2010
San Antonio – Kevin Kotzur scored 17 points and pulled down 13 rebounds and St. Mary’s University held St. Edward’s University scoreless for the first six minutes of the games as the Rattlers rolled past the Hilltoppers, 81-45, in Heartland Conference men’s basketball action Thursday night at Bill Greehey Arena.
The Rattlers came out firing on all cylinders, while the Hilltoppers struggled. SEU missed its first 10 shots from the field, helping the Rattlers sprint out to a 12-0 lead over the first 6:54 of the first half. After the Hilltoppers cut the Rattler lead to nine at 12-3, St. Mary’s responded with a 13-0 run to quickly turn the game into a rout at 25-3 with 7:58 left to play in the half. St. Mary’s made 54.2 percent (13-24) of its shots from the field, while the Hilltoppers made just 15.4 percent (4-26). In the second half the Rattlers extended their lead to as much as 38 points.
Kotzur (Fr., La Vernia, Texas) led all players with 17 points and 13 rebounds on 8-of-12 shooting from the field. Brad Hubenak (Fr., Kennedale, Texas) was the only other Rattler to score in double figures with 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field. While only Kotzur and Hubenak scored in double figures, 11 different Rattlers scored in the game, including eight different players with 6 or more points. St. Mary’s shot 55.4 percent (31-56) from the field in the game and outrebounded the Hilltoppers 43-32.
With the win St. Mary’s improved to 14-9 overall and 9-4 in Heartland Conference play this season. St. Edward’s fell to 10-13, 5-7. The Rattlers will return to action on Saturday, when they host Texas A&M International University at 4:30 p.m. at Bill Greehey Arena. The game will be broadcast live over the internet at CollegeTVTicket.com.
St. Mary’s (Texas) 81, St. Edward’s 45